iron-fortification ,2

and Fatima G Mayet ABSTRACT A targeted, double-blind controlled iron fortification trial using Fe(1 1 1)-EDTA in masala (curry powder) was directed towards an Fe-deficient Indian population for 2 y. The Fe status ofthe fortified group improved more than that of control subjects. Improve-ment reached significance over control subjects for females in hemoglobin (p = 0.0005), fern-tin (p = 0.0002), and body Fe stores (p = 0.001) and for males in ferritin (p = 0.04). The prevalence of Fe-deficiency anemia (IDA) decreased from 22 to 5 % in fortified females. Pre-menopausal women, multipara women, and women with prolonged menstruation or initial IDA benefitted most from fortification. The mean increase in body Fe stores in females with initial IDA was 9.0 ± 1.3 mmol, representing an increased absorption of 12 imol/d. Fortified subjects with normal Fe status did not accumulate excessive body Fe and there was no alter-ation in serum Zn concentrations. Targeted fortification is a safe and effective means of corn-batting Fe deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr l989;49: 162-9. KEY WORDS Iron fortification, Fe(1 1 1)EDTA, iron nutrition, controlled tria